DEADLY PUBLIC MEDICINE

BBC News broadcasts today are leading on the story that 'ministers think they have turned the corner in tackling the antibiotic-resistant superbug MRSA' that is rife in Britain's state-run hospitals. 'The number of infected patients, we are told, 'is lower than at any time since records began.'

Let us ignore the point that records only began in 2001, when the superbug was already tearing through the National Health Service. In April to September 2001, some 3,598 NHS patients were infected with MRSA. In the equivalent April-September period 2004, on which all this hype is based, the number was 3,519. Not much of a difference. Especially if you are one of the 3,519.

True, that number is down by 421 cases on the previous six months. But the fact is that each year, around 5,000 NHS patients die from infections they picked up in hospital. About 1,000 of those die from MRSA. And how many patients die from MRSA in the private sector? None.

(Post lifted from the Adam Smith blog)

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For greatest efficiency, lowest cost and maximum choice, ALL hospitals and health insurance schemes should be privately owned and run -- with government-paid vouchers for the very poor and minimal regulation.

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